This is a blog about Singapore and our social and business connectivity with the world. It is about what's happening in Singapore and outside Singapore and how we can thrive and survive in an increasingly flatter world.

Contributors

George YeoMinister of Foreign Affairs, Singapore. Guest Columnist of BeyondSG. He is on Facebook. Readers are welcome to join his Facebook network at http://www.facebook.com/georgeyeopage

Harold FockEntrepreneur (Chief Editor of BeyondSG).
Deputy CEO/CFO of a listed technology company in Asia and CEO of Foundation Capital Pte Ltd, a hedge fund based in Singapore.

April 25, 2010

San Marino

On my current visit to Europe, I have included a few tiny states - Andorra, San Marino and the Holy See.As a small country ourselves, it is important for us to maintain good links with other small countries.We account for many members of the UN.We try to support each other when we can and act as a group when possible so that our interests are not ignored by the larger countries.

San Marino is a mountain redoubt near Bologna in northern Italy which has been independent since the 4th century.Ever wary of dictatorship, it has a lively parliament and a system of rotating captain-regents who run the country.Every six months, two are elected, co-equal, and no decision can be taken without both agreeing.San Marino, the founding saint, told the people that they should keep both the Emperor and the Pope at a distance.

With globalisation, San Marino is looking beyond Italy and Europe.I told FM Antonella Mularoni and other Sanmarinese ministers that Singapore can be their showcase in Asia.